The Parker & Neal Mola Collection - Part 1
Lot 89:
Description
Panama (Guna Yala), circa 1970s
12 × 16 inches
A striking complete traditional blouse featuring matched front and back mola panels worked in two layers of reverse appliqué, appliqué, and embroidery. Each panel depicts a pair of stylized owls rendered in bold red outlines against a black ground, their large concentric eyes created with nested squares radiating outward from white centers through layers of red, orange, green, and blue. Each owl grasps a small zoomorphic figure at its chest—one rendered in yellow and the other in green with red fill—possibly representing prey or companion animals, adding narrative dimension to the composition.
The owls’ bodies are densely filled with multicolored vertical striped feather patterning in red, pink, magenta, blue, orange, yellow, and green. Prominent white claw forms anchor the figures at the base. The surrounding field is activated with short multicolored vertical dashes in contrasting colors, creating rhythmic visual texture throughout. A decorative yoke band features rickrack zigzag trim with a lime green accent line separating the orange cotton yoke from the mola panels.
Worked on black cotton ground with red as the primary second layer, featuring extensive appliqué elements and embroidered running-stitch details in multiple colors. Fine hand-stitching throughout with consistent stitch density. Dense, fully filled composition demonstrating strong compositional control with bilateral symmetry across each panel.
Complete blouse with orange cotton yoke and gathered sleeves with rickrack cuff trim and drawstring neckline.
Provenance: From the Parker & Neal Collection
Condition report:
Evidence of use with minor wear consistent with age. Side seams are no longer sewn. In house Flat Rate US Shipping of $15 for 1 -10 molas, $5 each additional 10 molas. Insurance is additional and required.
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